I think I have a blog?

So, this week has been a little busy because my mom has been here visiting us and getting her fill of Cee time. Last time she was here, Cee was just on the brink of taking some steps but hadn’t made that leap of faith into full-fledged walkdom yet. That didn’t stop us from going shoe shopping with Grammy while she was here, though. Back in early March, we fitted Cee with her first pair of high-tops:

Now since she’s walking, running, and basically being a human, she’s having tons o’ fun with Grammy. The three of us have been going out on the town while B works on his summer courses for work.

Grammy and Cee at the Children’s Museum in our town

My mom brought some dresses I wore when I was a Wee Eee, and they are in fantastic shape thanks to 30 years of moth balls. (And BTW, if y’all have any tips for getting the smell out but protecting the semi-fragility of the clothes, I am all ears. Dr. Google says to make a vinegar solution but I’m nervous that then she’ll just smell like an old mothy pickle.) Cee has been wearing them around town, making her the cutest little gal who smells like an attic.

Wee Cee modeling my own sailor dress from when I was a toddler. SO EXCITED for her to wear this on the Fourth of July.

….and a frilly pink number from when I was a tyke. Before I had her, I vowed I would not be one of those moms who dresses their daughter up in pink frills. This is me eating my words. And boy, are they yummy.

So that’s what I’ve been doing. Dressing my baby up and frolicking with my mom at stores that are normally outside of my price range. Today I learned that I love Talbots because I can go a size down there. Um, hello, new favorite store. (Don’t worry, Target, I still love you too, but y’know, it’s nice to see a number on the tag that doesn’t make me feel like I ate an entire cow for lunch. And to not be tempted for once with ceramic plates with mod owls all over them.)

Another fun thing happened this week! I ordered some business cards on which I call myself a freelance writer and a blogger. (I know.) A couple months back, I pitched a column to a local women’s publication in my town. And guess what? They actually accepted it! It’s going to be based on the parenting writing I do here. I figured that now I’m kinda legit and all I should start behaving as such and order some little cards. And spend an arm and a leg at Talbots on fancy clothes.

Cute, cute, cute! I love the pink gingham and the pink shoes to match. Of course they have to match! And she’s growing so fast. Congrats on the new gig and the cards. So nice to make it official. You’re a great writer, Em.

Thank you, Cathy! I am also a major fan of the pink gingham. It makes her look so classic and spritely. I am so looking forward to the column. In a way, I think it will make my blog better too because since I will have a little bit less time to spend on it, the posts will have to improve in quality. Wins all around!

Also, vinegar solution = total win. The vinegar smell does not stick around after a rinse/dry and despite its vigorous cleaning power, it’s definitely gentle enough for delicate thingies.

I use white vinegar in place of laundry softener. It actually works better than scary scented chemical concoctions – my laundry is softer because the mild acidity strips off all the nasty, instead of depositing stuff on the fibers, and all the “performance” dry/wicking technical clothes don’t need special handling. White vinegar is also a very good jewelry cleaning soak for appropriate pieces (i.e. not opals and pearls, duh).

That’s such a good tip that it works well as a natural fabric softener. That was one of the things that I stopped buying when C was born because it was a bit of an added expense that we could do without, but I miss the feeling of soft linens. (We line dry 100% of our laundry so softeners are almost a must if we don’t want our clothes and towels to feel like cardboard.) I will for sure try it. Thanks for passing that on!

I line dry most of our laundry, so I know what you mean about softeners. The vinegar is doing it just fine for us – towels, though, I still tumble dry (at least partially) for that fluffiness that you basically can’t get otherwise.

Emily, Good for you on getting the column! Congratulations! And I hope you and your mom have had a wonderful time with Cee. Grandmothers are such an important part of a child’s life. (I say that because I am one.) It’s cool that Cee can wear your clothes. They are beautiful. And vinegar does work to get the smell out. I’ve used it. White vinegar. It’s a miracle substance.

Thank you! And I completely agree on the importance of grandmothers. Whenever the baby spends a week or so with her, it seems to make her little mind work in such a way that she acquires more skills in the process. Last time she was here, my mom had been gone for one day and C started walking. This week, she’s been expressing herself with new gestures and trying to make different sounds. Totally not a coincidence. It’s so important for them to know that they are loved unconditionally by someone other than their parents.

I’ve been wanting to tell you for some time that I think you’re the 21st century Erma Bombeck. Now, you’re branching out in a very similar way to how she got started–freelancing in a local publication. I have no doubt that you are going far, really far. So excited for you, Emily!
(Oh, and if you don’t already know this, Levi’s size their women’s jeans to make us think we’re at least a size smaller than anywhere else. I won’t buy any other brand now. The ego-stroking size tag has a narcotic effect on me.)

Best.Compliment.Ever. Thank you so much, Willow! Erma Bombeck is basically my hero. I heart her like crazy. Also! Yes yes yes to Levis! Those were the first pair of pants I bought post-pregnancy that didn’t make me want to throw things.

Congrats on your writing gig! When I got my first set of business cards at work I felt super legit.
Also, I’m glad my family isn’t the only one hoarding my old baby clothes for potential future spawn. Our basement is filled with bins from when I was a wee… Kee? Nope, doesn’t work.

Thanks, Grace! I am so excited! It really proves that sometimes it doesn’t hurt to ask. All I did was email them, they checked out my blog, and then they said they could make room in their magazine for me. So cool how that works!

Emily, what a wonderful thing that your precious Cee is wearing your clothes. She looks gorgeous in them and congrats on your new gig. You so deserve it. Have fun with your Mom. It sounds as if you guys are having a great time.

What about Borax?? I had raw meat smell in my car’s trunk. It was horrible. I need to start freezing the bodies, I swear. Anyway, Borax did the trick and I hear you can put that shizz in the washing machine. Look at me being all domestic…..

If I had the extra monies, I’d totally hire you. You could write my wedding thank you notes!!!! Will you work for M&Ms???

Mazel Emily! Giant Mazel! Love the cards, and so excited for you. As for Cee’s “new” clothes… ahhh! Fits right in with my post Stitch in Time… our moms were thinking ahead, and now I’m hoping that my grandchildren will be as cute and happy to have all the things I saved. Love this post. :-)

There is something so special about your kids wearing clothes that you wore too. There was another absolutely gorgeous dress that my mom smocked for me back then that she also brought for C during her visit, and I had portraits made in it. This summer, C will have portraits made in it too. I am really excited to do the side-by-side comparison.

Oh, that will be so special! Kudos to your mom for taking all that time and care. I’m also giving kudos, because I’d like to think that all the time and care I took will be appreciated too! Love reading that you treasure this… Sweetness.